Shreya Dharmalingam

Shreya Dharmalingam hails from Johannesburg, South Africa, and recently graduated from the University of Cape Town (UCT). In 2021, she completed her undergraduate with a Bachelor of Social Sciences, majoring in Economics, Politics & Governance, and Business French. Subsequently, in 2022, she accomplished an Honours Degree in International Relations, fuelled by her curiosity about history and its impact on contemporary dynamics.

Shreya's Honours thesis, titled “Does China’s Digital Silk Road Have the Ability to Address African Industrial Development to the Benefit of Sustainable Growth?” ignited her passion for advancing African sustainable development and enhancing Africa's role in the global context. Her thirst for knowledge extends to a diverse range of genres, affording her a mature perspective on global issues.

Beyond her academic achievements, Shreya is deeply committed to effecting positive change in socio-political and economic spheres, particularly in addressing intersectional concerns such as gender and racial inequality. Throughout her academic journey, Shreya balanced her scholastic pursuits with active social engagement. Notably, she contributed as a member of the United Nations (UN) Association at UCT, served as Secretary General of the UCT Wine Society, and participated in the Golden Key Mentorship Programme. Her multifaceted experiences have solidified her reputation as an inspirational leader with exceptional interpersonal skills, capable of motivating peers and collaborators alike.

As she embarks on her MSc in Global Leadership and Peacebuilding at King’s College London and assumes the role of Associate Fellow with the African Leadership Centre, Shreya is poised to continue her impactful and motivational leadership journey, shaping a brighter future for herself and those she works with.